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Why Using Two Hula Hoops at Once is Good for Your Brain

It was once believed that the brain was a static mass that hung out in our skulls; if you were lucky enough to be born “brainy” then challenges would be few. Thanks to the brainiacs of the world cracking open that theory we now know that our brain has plasticity, like the childhood favourite play dough it can be moulded and mixed depending on the activities we choose.

You can expand your mind.

This is exciting as movers and hoopers. As we all know most new hoop moves do not come easily upon first attempt, certain tricks or combinations can seem downright impossible. We can be forgiven for believing that we are just not strong/coordinated/flexible enough or will never understand how to do certain tricks and moves. However if we spotlight the exciting reality of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to grow with new behaviours, experiences and focus, then we can look forward to not only nailing those moves with practice but expanding our mind in the process.

Twin hooping, using two hoops at once, takes the art of hoop dance to a new level in terms of learning to coordinate both the left and right side of the brain and body (with off body hooping aka pooping poi + hooping) or maintain momentum with two on the body. With consistent play and practice we not only strengthen our body but we train our brain to understand and smoothly execute new flow using both left and right. Promise.

I call it my Alzheimer’s prevention practice.

If you were born right handed (or left, they are both equally as fabulous) it is likely that you practice most things in your life with that side. Watch yourself for a whole day and become aware of all the things you do with just one hand: brush your teeth, drink from a glass, pick up your lap top, use your fork or chopsticks at lunch, sign your name, pick a flower, stir your coffee, pick up your hoop. If you spent the rest of the year doing all those things with your opposite hand you would find you train yourself to be ambidextrous. What a cool thing to put on your resume, if you are a twin hooper you can go ahead and update your resume right now!

Changing our movement patterns changes the pathways in our brain.

By patiently, repetitively and meditatively introducing new patterns and drawing new shapes with twin hoops we are retraining and growing the plastic that is our brain. Gives a new positive spin to the term Dough Brain.

Try this mini twin sequence, grow your mind.

http://youtu.be/uLjv7dPgeYM

Next week we explore 5 transitions to take this mini twin hoop sequence to a new space.

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fun video on spinning twin hoops. When I was a teen I worked and trained my left hand for eating. It took a while but yes you can do it. Now I can switch to eat with either hand. This comes in handy when you are eating with a bunch of people. The trickiest part is leaning to eat peas. The move all around the plate. Ok back to hoop practice.

Deanne Love

Ha ha yes peas and rice…tricky! Many things are possible with practice, nice one Bruce!

Mary Ann Metzler Soule

I am disabled and I find it interesting to come u with mess to compensate for what I can not do anymore !

Share Your Hoop Story

Hey hooper, it’s Deanne Love

I am here to teach you the art of hula hoop dance. It changed my life; I bet it will change yours too. This blog is packed with tutorials and ideas for you to learn to hoop and use your hoop as a tool for fun, fitness and being fabulous. If you want to go next level then join me for a 7, 14 or 21 Day Challenge or hang with me on the Hooplovers YouTube channel.